U.S. Meat Production
2.9% Below A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 873.2 million pounds, 2.9 percent less than a week earlier and one percent below a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was down 5.3 percent at 3.57 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 667,000 head compared to 704,000 a week earlier and 676,000 a year ago, liveweights 1233 pounds, 1232 and 1226, respectively. Cumulative cattle slaughter was down 5.1 percent at 2,756,000 head. Cumulative beef production was down 4.1 percent at 2.05 billion pounds.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 23,000 head, 25,000 and 24,000, liveweights 305 pounds, 299 and 282. Cumulative slaughter was down 9.9 percent at 92,000 head. Cumulative veal production was down two percent at 16.7 million pounds.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,869,000 head, 1,918,000 and 1,972,000, liveweights 262 pounds, 261 and 259. Cumulative slaughter was down 8.3 percent at 7,682,000 head. Cumulative pork production was down 7.1 percent at 1.48 billion pounds.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 69,000 head, 66,000 and 67,000, liveweights 137 pounds, 136 and 135. Cumulative slaughter was up two percent at 266,000 head. Cumulative lamb and mutton production was up 2.1 percent at 17 million pounds.